Houseplant experts reveal the best 'type' of water to use on your plants and the one you should avoid

Watering houseplants can be challenging enough when they all need different amounts and at different times. But there's also the matter of what type of water you give your plants and how it plays an important role in their health.

If you've mastered how often to water houseplants, you know that they can be both demanding and dramatic when you get it wrong. Even when you know how much water to give them and when, they can still have negative reactions to watering, turning yellow or even dying completely.

That's why the type of water you use is also an important part of caring for indoor plants and helping them thrive. Experts at Happy Happy Houseplant (@happyhappyhouseplant on Instagram) have shared expert guidance on the different water types and what they mean for plant health.

Whether you've noticed your peace lily suddenly dying or your monstera's leaves turning yellow, you may be suspecting the water you're using is the culprit.

"So you did a Google search, and now you're worried tap water is bad for your houseplants. Like, are all these people actually buying special water for their plants?" say the Happy Happy Houseplant experts.

"The 'special water' you're thinking of is called distilled water, and while it's great for houseplants, it's not necessary (your bank account just sighed in relief)."

If you want to avoid common houseplant mistakes, this watering guidance will be a big help.

"But there is something you'll want to avoid, and that's softened water. To soften water, salts are added. The issue is that frequent watering with salty water will dehydrate your houseplant, so what do you do if your only option is softened water?" they explain.

If you're into rainwater harvesting, this can be a great way to source natural, untreated water in areas that only supply softened water.

"Option one is to use an outdoor spigot during the warm weather months; option two is to use a Brita filter or the water from your refrigerator instead. Just keep in mind you'll want the water to be room temp before watering. And the third option is using distilled water on your most dramatic plants only," concludes the Happy Happy Houseplant experts.

When caring for your houseplants during the heatwaves, this watering advice is crucial to keeping them properly hydrated and undamaged.

Worried about keeping your houseplants alive whilst you go on holiday this summer? There are many ways you can help keep them happy and hydrated without you needing to be there.